Choose a basic mix if you already have milk, eggs and cooking fat at home. A complete mix needs fewer additional ingredients, while a shaker bottle is ideal for a smaller batch. Check the preparation instructions, pack weight and current label for each variety.
If you already have milk, eggs and cooking fat at home, a standard basic mix could be a good choice. Check the pack weight and preparation instructions to see whether it’s the right size for the number of pancakes you want to make.
A complete mix can be handy if you don’t want to add milk and eggs to the batter. Check what else you’ll need for your chosen variety: PLUS Complete requires water and cooking fat.
Ingredients and allergen information vary between varieties. Check the packaging for the grains, milk and egg listed, and look out for any warnings about possible cross-contamination.
First, work out which ingredients you already have and how many pancakes you want to make. Then compare the preparation instructions and check the label for the specific variety.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic mix and cupboard supplies | Check the pack weight and the type of milk, eggs and cooking fat required by the preparation instructions. | If I already have these ingredients at home, I want to use them without adding to my shopping list. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Fewer additions | Check whether you can add water and whether you’ll also need cooking fat. | If I want to make pancakes without adding milk and eggs separately, I look for a complete mix that needs very little added to it. This is the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current label for the ingredients and any allergens that are present or may be present. | I want to know which grains and allergens are listed for this exact variety before I buy it. Around 25% of consumers put this check first. |
A basic mix isn’t the whole batter: the preparation instructions may also call for milk, eggs and cooking fat.
Before you buy, check what you need to add and which ingredients you already have at home.
The fact that you only need to add water tells you how to prepare the mix, not everything it contains. According to the product information, PLUS Complete and Koopmans Compleet contain milk and egg.
For your chosen variety, check both the ingredients list and any warning about possible cross-contamination.
Ingredients and allergen information can change. Lidl directs customers to the packaging for nutritional information about its food products, rather than providing an online ingredients list.
Check the label on the pack you’re buying, especially if a particular ingredient is important to you.
ALDI own-brand range with a plain and a multigrain mix, both in 400 g packs.
Own-brand range with a Naturel basic mix and a Complete pancake mix.
The range includes a standard pancake mix, a complete mix and a shaker bottle.
Own-brand range that includes plain, multigrain and wholemeal mixes.
Own-brand range that includes a 400 g Naturel mix, alongside other mixes.
Lidl brand with an original pancake mix.
These shaker bottles and standard pancake mixes are made for home baking. Check the pack weight, required additions and label for each variety.
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A shaker bottle for making a small batch with water. Check the current label for the ingredients; the product information lists wheat, milk and egg, among other ingredients.
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A shaker bottle for making a small batch with added milk. Check the label for the ingredients and allergens in this variety.
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A mix for making a larger batch of pancakes if you can add milk, eggs and cooking fat. Check which grains and allergens are listed on the current label for this variety.
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A standard mix for anyone looking to make a larger batch who already has milk, eggs and cooking fat at home. Check the current label for the ingredients and possible allergens.
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Consider this mix if you’re happy to use an egg in the preparation too. Before buying, check the preparation instructions and ingredients on the packaging.
Choose a complete mix if you don’t want to add milk and eggs to the batter separately. Check the instructions for your chosen variety: PLUS Complete needs water and cooking fat. The ingredients list is still important if you want to avoid milk or egg.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current label for the variety you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the requirements for allergen labelling on food products. The grains, milk and egg in pancake mixes can vary between varieties.
Keep the mix in a cool, dry, dark place and make sure it’s sealed tightly. This is the storage advice from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Seal an opened pack carefully and check its contents before using them later.
Don’t taste Koopmans Origineel batter raw. According to the product information on PLUS, this batter isn’t intended to be eaten raw and must be cooked through thoroughly.
